Top 6 Cons Every Gamer Should Experience in 2018

Can you think of anything better than a media that brings people together, encourages critical thinking, is a host to a plethora of new worlds you could never have thought existed, and is open to all ages? If you can’t, we understand – because there really is nothing more inclusive and entertaining than the vast world of gaming. Whether you prefer video gaming online with your friends connected to you via a headset or staring your opponent down in the final round of your favorite tabletop game, the wide world of gaming beckons all types of people.

Gaming conventions can often be targeted towards a certain type of gamer, be it tabletop or video, but we find that the best video game convention is one that includes a bit of something that appeals to everybody. There’s a wide variety of gaming conventions that do an amazing job of bringing together the same passions, which is why we’ve put together a list of the top 6 cons that every gamer should experience in 2018.

CasualConnectUSA

This convention not only boasts some of the best displays and panels in indie development in the world, but it has the added bonus of taking place at the happiest place on Earth. The Disneyland-based convention focuses on independent gaming but offers a wide range of panels, testing centers, and booths that are sure to keep you interested.

EVO

A fighting-game centric convention, the Evolution Championship Series (or EVO for short) is one of the most highly-rated conventions for a reason. With Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom, Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros., and Guilty Gear being featured in their enormous fighting-game tournament, there’s plenty to do for all ages. If you’re into the smaller games such as Skullgirls, there are always booths set up for you to challenge other players.

DreamHack Masters

With shows in both Marseilles and Stockholm in 2018, DreamHack Masters offers fans of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive one of the most immersive experiences in the world. The famous and expansive tournament has a $250,000 cash prize for the best player each tournament and is open to all fans of the shooter game.

E3

Potentially the most famous and definitely the largest video gaming convention in the world, E3 brings together everything from the largest video game developers to small indie ones looking to break into the business. E3 aims to bring creators together more than it does players, but the innovation showcased is something all fans can appreciate.

GoGames360

GoGames360 in Dallas, Texas aims to approach games in a different way. The convention chooses to focus on how games can bring people together, and offer everything from video game tournaments, to tabletop games, to tactile games such as Escape Adventures in a festival that aims to socialize as much as it does educate.

LVL UP EXPO

Based in Las Vegas, we here at LVL Up Expo began as a small convention aimed at local players. Since then, we’ve grown into one of the largest yearly nerd culture conventions in the United States. With 10,000+ attendees each year, booths, panels, and appearances from special guests in the industry, LVL Up Expo is a can’t-miss convention for fans of everything from video games, to tabletop games, to anime.